Beltway Talkabout

Links To Information

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:34:00 +0000

I heard a rumor a while back that certain people could get access to any information they needed. They call themselves Links. I thought it was only a rumor, until I met a few people who act as links. Let me explain the details.

A woman needs information that only Verizon has or only the DMV has. Say she needs to track down her boyfriends "other" girlfriend. Well, she contacts a Link that works at that place and low and behold, the Link gets the information for her.

It seems simple, but think how many different employers and each one has a Link. It was fascinating to think that you could join a circle of people or a club and have access to any information you needed.

Job Love or Lost?

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:19:00 +0000

Many of us are satisfied with the paycheck but could "take this job and shove it." Yet, we return to that same ole desk, day after day after day. What lights a fire under your ass to start looking for promising employment?

When you're driving to work tomorrow morning, look at the driver in the car next to you. Look at a few drivers. You know why s/he looks like that? That person knows what's in store when they arrive at work. Working for a piece of crap paycheck and an unappreciative boss. It's almost as bad as getting screwed backwards, knowing it's painful, but saying "Thank you, Sir. Anything else I can do for you? Perhaps screw me from a different position?."

Yep. That's you. And for those who don't know they're getting screwed...That's what that pain in your ass has been all along.

Are you motivated yet?

Washington DC Schools: Government Bait and Switch

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:56:00 +0000

When Fenty became Mayor, he spoke eloquently of changes and we hung onto his every word. Especially in the DC School system. We know changes must be made, but what is on the school chancellor's mind? Closing more than 20 schools? Where are all these kids going? They cannot possibly build enough schools in that short amount of time to house all those children.

Didn't we think Michelle Rhee, school chancellor would breathe new life into the DC school system? It was a simple bait and switch. We enjoyed the package and then found out what was wrapped up. Terminations and school closings.

Can you Legitimately Make Money Online from Home?

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:20:00 +0000

Many people are skeptical of easy money. But how will you know if something works if you never try it? Caution is good, but those that won't take that first step to venture into something new are always the ones kicking themselves for not trying. Does this phrase sound familiar, "I wish I had...?" Even full-time employees can use a little extra to help out with bills. It is possible to make legitimate money online.

There are many ways to create revenue while at home. Providing product reviews, completing surveys and generating income by blogging are a few. The most recommended surveys are, Cash Crate, Treasure Trooper and Vindale Research. You can make money from all three media companies that add up to hundreds of dollars per month. But how do you get started? There are some basics that you need to do before you sign up.

1. Sign up for an additional email address, because the surveys will come in fast and plentiful. Also, you may start getting spam mail so you don’t want to put your home or business email at risk. Go to hotmail or yahoo and sign up for a free email account.

2. Some survey companies will ask that you try out the product before you complete the survey. Obviously, if you are reviewing a product, they want your honest opinion so they might ask that you pay for this first. How to get around this? Well, first the survey will pay you more than they ask you to spend. Example, Vindale Research asked surveyors to review purchasing stamps online. They would pay $10. for a review, but first, you needed to purchase something from the company. The surveyors made a small purchase, maybe $2.00, and then completed the survey. After completion of the survey, they actually made $8.00 profit. That's how Vindale works. But, the more surveys you complete with Vindale Research, the more opportunities they will offer you.

3. Cash Crate and Treasure Trooper are by far the simplest revenue generators. They supply you pages of surveys to complete and you can pick and choose which ones you are interested in. Some are only $.50 while others are $10.-$15.00. You are able to review your account to see the money add up each day and they send out their checks by the 20th of every month. Treasure trooper works the same way.

That's how you generate hundreds per month. If you sign up with all three, you can literally make hundreds of dollars per month. Can you make a thousand dollars per month? That depends upon you. How bad do you want it? Will you treat this as a job, sitting in front of the computer each day to make money? Join the multitude of internet surfers who are earning their living from home. For more information and topics on working from home, visit The Blogging Prenuer's website.

First Time Homebuyer Programs targeted for Metro DC/MD/VA Area

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 05:37:00 +0000

Still renting? Is one of your New Year's resolution to purchase a home in DC/MD/VA ? Well, here are a multitude of programs offered to help you realize that dream. First time homebuyers can qualify for help with several programs that offer No Money Down, or No Closing Cost or Tax Abatements. Check out the Federal Title website to learn all about keeping more money in your pocket and qualifying for a new home.

Washington DC School Chancellor to Fire Employees

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:11:00 +0000

While watching the news this morning, they aired a story about the new DC School chancellor getting permission to terminate non-union school employees. Now she says they are ineffective. I always have a problem with job terminations on the fly. Why are these people ineffective? Did they get prior notice about their efficiency and did their supervisors try and re-train?

Executives often will try and restructure an organization without trying to pinpoint the problems the individual employee is experiencing and simply re-train those individuals. I would assume that these people were qualified when hired. Therefore, since the new person has come on board, has she taken the time to tell their supervisors or meet with each individual to explain how she wants the job performed? It's difficult to progress when you do not know what the person expects.

I just really have a problem with not giving people time to rehab their performance or look at their strengths and place them in another job. I'm not speaking of those that will not perform, only those that try and have not received the necessary feedback to change.

HBO's The Wire Hits the Nail on the Head

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:27:00 +0000

If you caught The Wire tonight, then you know they are weaving a tale about Politics at its Best! Corruption, broken promises and getting screwed from each end. Isn't that what we live day in and day out?

And for any of you not up to speed or those that do not have HBO, The Wire was filmed in Baltimore and illustrates multi-faceted realms of life. The street thug, the dope fiend and the kids that are influenced and the police department, trying to save a city from a meltdown of crime.

For those of us whom know how the story goes, Great Entertainment. For those of us that don't, here's a shot in the arm of reality.

This is my favorite show and I'm still hurt that it's in the last season. And...I'm still holding a grudge about what they did to Stringer!

Maryland Schools Hiring Foreign Teachers

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:17:00 +0000

To help fill vacancies, our public schools are now hiring foreign teachers. There are pro's and con's with every situation, but it appears to be more con's with this idea and the schools are not resolving them.

Some of the teachers hired have a known language barrier and the message gets lost in translation. How does a teacher from a different country teach English and cannot master the language themselves? And what about those that do not adhere to the guidelines? Some believe those teachers get preferential treatment because they are foreigners, but at the expense of our students. So why are public schools continuing to hire more and more foreign teachers when their aware of the problems that exist? Is it more important to fill a vacant position?

Washington, DC and Baltimore, Modeling & Acting Casting Calls

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:15:00 +0000

Model needed for Bridal Show, Jan. 27, 2008

A dental practice, promoting their work needs a model for a Bridal Show. If you are not completely satisfied with your smile, they are willing to consult and trade services.

This is a great opportunity to get some cosmetic work completed for 1 day of work!

Requirements:
Female, 18-35, Petite

All interested parties, I need an email address and a contact number for you.

Several Dance Teachers Needed for studio in Baltimore City

Part-time Opportunity, teaching 3yrs old and up

Male or Female, ages 18-35
Exp in Ballet, Tap, Ballroom, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern
Rate of pay will vary

All interested parties, I need an email address and a contact number for you.

Note: I'm told there are approximately 5 acting requests coming through by Saturday, so everyone needs to check back to get the updates.

Coupons to use at Metro Area Shopping Malls and online stores

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:46:00 +0000

Check out this website, coupon cabin, to use at various malls:

Tyson Corner Mall and various online shopping
http://www.couponcabin.com/malls/tysons-corner-center/index.htm

PG Plaza Mall and various online shopping
http://www.couponcabin.com/malls/prince-georges-plaza/index.htm

Wheaton Mall and various online shopping
http://www.couponcabin.com/malls/westfield-shoppingtown-wheaton/index.htm

Laurel Mall and various online shopping
http://www.couponcabin.com/malls/laurel-mall/index.htm

Pentagon City Mall and various online shopping
http://www.couponcabin.com/malls/the-fashion-centre-at-pentagon-city/index.htm

Tyson's Corner Mall, Best Shopping Mall on the Beltway!

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:27:00 +0000

I have frequented every mall around the DC beltway and the best mall is Tyson's Corner Center Mall. Tyson's offers stores for every shopper. Frugal shoppers to the affluent can find something at Tyson's Corner.

I love variety and I dread travelling mall to mall. You can spend hours in Tyson's Corner and find everything you want. Delia's, Gap, Old Navy, H & M, Cusp, Urban Outfitters, Victoria's Secret, Nordstrom and much more! They also have a movie theatre in the mall and several restaurants to choose from. Check out their website to see if your favorite store is listed. I'm confident, if don't see your store in their directory, there is another store comparable to what you want and want you are willing to spend.

The best part, if you don't have a car, you can take a metro bus there. Check out the DC Metro Transit website to plan your trip.

Tip: Check out Papaya store. They always have cute hoodies and t-shirts for under $20.

Career Moves in 2008

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:30:00 +0000

Many of us searching for a new job in the DC Metro Area target the Washington Post, Career Builder or Monster but there many other avenues to chase. Try checking a company website for job openings. A business will list opportunities on their own website before paying for outside advertisements. Craigs list is another good choice that has many overlooked opportunities. Now, the best advice before interviewing...Know something current about the
company by looking up their website or any news articles that can give you insight and topics to discuss at your interview; Have 2 or 3 questions prepared to ask about the position, especially about promotion potential. This gives the interviewer the idea that you are looking to stay at the company and grow; And lastly, when the interviewer ask you to tell about yourself, they want to know a summary of your professional highlights, not your personal information. Take 2008 by storm and begin making big moves!

Giant Food Store Commercial is a load of Bull!

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:24:00 +0000

This is so insignificant, but I must comment on that unbelievably, stupid Giant Food commercial, being seen in the Washington, DC metro area. They have this commercial with a woman reciting how her family shops at Giant Foods because their prices are so reasonable. She goes on to state how the family lives in a town home but are saving for a single family home and they shop at Giant Food because they save so much money. LOL. That is such a load of bull!
Giant Food is the more expensive store. More expensive than Shopper's Food, Food Lion, and Safeway, the major food chains in this area. And the advertising agency that talked them into filming that load of crap should give them their money back!

Papa John's Pizza and the Bubble Guts

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:14:00 +0000

I order pizza now and again and usually I have it delivered to my house. This time I went to Papa Johns and ordered and waited for my oily, bubonic pleasure and pain. And now I know why I don't order pizza more often. Let me explain what most people already know and still won't care. I watched as the young Papa Johns pizza maker reached for the dough, kneaded it, placed the sauce on it and spooned it around evenly. He needed to stop for a moment to help another customer who was picking up their order. He retrieved her pizza, took the money, returned the change and quickly went back to my pizza to finish it. He commenced placing the pepperoni, sausage, green peppers and onions on my pizza and placing into the oven. I just stood by and waited until he placed the pie into the box and called me up to the register. Now, I just told you everything that happened. Every move he made and you notice I never once mentioned sink, washing of hands, gloves, nothing. He did all of this without any gloves; Helped the other customer; Retrieved money and gave back change and went right back to making my pizza. No Gloves. No Soap or Water. No Antibacterial. But I paid for the pizza? I left with that pizza, knowing it spelled trouble. And now you know why your stomach began hurting when you last ate that pizza. Why do we still do stupid things that are potentially harmful to us?

Washington DC Casting Calls for Models & Actors

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:39:00 +0000

The Beltway Talkabout is pleased to begin broadcasting requests for local Models, Actor and Dancers. This is your opportunity to audition for local Fashion Shows, Feature and Short Films that are filming in the DC and Baltimore area.

All interested parties must follow up with an email back to Beltway Talkabout, informing us of your interest.

To Kick-off the New Year, here are our first Casting Calls:

Fashion Show Model Call - Local College Sorority Seeking Models for Fashion Show
Location: George Mason University
Fashion Show will be held April 26. Great Modeling/Runway Exposure

Looking for:

Girls/Boys, 5-12 years old, youth sizes
Teen Girls, 13-17, sizes 0-8Adult
Females, 18 and older, Height 5'7" and Taller, sizes 0-16
Teen and Adult Males, 5'10" to 6'4", Waist 29-36
Auditions by Appt only! You must pre-register and make an appt!
Leave a Comment here with your email address!
Submission by Jan 10

Up and Coming Hip Hop Stars For a DC Reality TV

A public access cable show, called Da Cipher is seeking singers who want to promote their ability on this new reality TV show.

Age Range - 18 to 35 Males and Females
Leave a Comment here with your email address!
Submission by Jan. 4

Full Length Feature Film will be shot in DC Metro Area Late Jan or Feb, 2008

Starring Ed Norton
Auditions not set yet! More details will be forthcoming. You must check back daily to get details.

Short Feature Film in DC

Casting for 4 roles

#1 Will, Male age 20-25, any ethnicity
character - lanky, funny, quirky like Zack Braff on Scrubs. In his first job on Capitol Hill.
#2 Melissa, Female age late 20s to late 30s White
character - professional, young at heart, weathered by political career
#3 Bart, Male age early 30s to mid 40s, any ethnicty
character - professional, expert in public relations, cynical, closeted gay
Must have a valid driver's license.
#4 Senator Fitzpatrick, Male, late 50s and up
character - established politician in most sterotypical sense. Good humored, slightly aloof to minor details and surroundings.
Must leave a Comment with your email address if interested!
Submission by Jan. 4

Check back frequently. We will have updates at least 3 times per week.

D.C. Elevators Still Lack Legitimate Licenses

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 04:45:00 +0000

Yolanda Woodlee, staff reporter for The Washington Post reported a story back in March of 2006 about the lack of valid elevator certificates in DC buildings. Council Member, Jim Graham, was contacted and commented on the problematic elevator issues that plague DC; nonetheless, the issues remain the same. Let's shed some light on the uphill battle to bring businesses in compliance with DC laws.

DCRA issues all elevator licenses upon written proof from an inspector that the elevator is properly working. However, the investigator, most likely is a third party inspector, hired by the business seeking the license. Several problems exist with this scenario. First, isn't it a conflict to have a business paying their own inspector for a favorable report? Second, DCRA doesn't challenge any reports; they simply receive them at face value and issue the elevator certificate. Third, businesses that are unable to procure a favorable report for an elevator license simply do not seek a license out. The elevator remains in service without any valid certificate. Unless a business applies for their yearly elevator certificate, there are no follow-ups from DCRA to ensure businesses are compliant. Several buildings in Washington, DC that are leased by our Federal Government do not have a valid elevator certificate and Never have. Wouldn't a government entity ensure safety measurements are taken before leasing a building? How does a business get away with that? No certificate, no fines and no letters to the owners demanding compliance.

The Chop House, located on 7th and F Street was the scene of an elevator accident about two years ago. They still do not have a valid elevator certificate and DCRA has not followed up to ensure the owner is compliant. You would think a building that already had an elevator accident would be in the spotlight. No follow-ups send a message to property owners that DC is a push-over and rules do not pertain to them.

When riding an elevator, look to see if there is a certificate posted inside. If the plaque is blank or states “see elevator license in engineer’s office”, that’s a hint that the owner simply does not have a license

I would hope with a new mayor we could expect policy changes to force property owners to become compliant with DC laws.

Avoid the Golden Corral at Largo Towne Center Mall

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 02:33:00 +0000

During a recent shopping trip to Largo Towne Center Mall, I stopped for an early dinner at the Golden Corral restaurant with family. The prices seemed reasonable for an all-you-can-eat buffet and the restaurant was packed. Crowds usually signal a good repertoire. There really is no waiting, as empty food bins are constantly re-filled. I chose steak, shrimp, fish, lasagna and a vegetable primavera and was ultimately disappointed. The food was unappetizing. All of the meat and seafood were warm and tasteless and the lasagna was a poor interpretation of Italian food. I pecked at the primavera after the disappointing entrees. Lastly, I tried several desserts including chocolate chip cookies, cake and cheesecake. Again, unimpressive and bland.

There are many other restaurants located throughout Largo Towne Center Mall and I strongly suggest you try them and bypass the Golden Corral.

Douglas Jemal delivers Pink Slip to Blake Esherick

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 01:00:00 +0000

Douglas Jemal, known for preserving Washington, DC's historic buildings, secretly visited the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, Florida, last month to personally notify Blake Esherick that his services were no longer required. Esherick, as you may know, stood trial with Jemal and several other DDC executives and was convicted for wire fraud and tax evasion. He's currently serving an 8 month sentence which ends February, 2008. It's odd that although all the DDC executives were convicted of some type of crime, Esherick was the only one sentenced to prison. Several executives have been heavily fined and now wear monitoring ankle devices.
Inquiring minds want to know, is Douglas Jemal a devil in disguise? What kind of person delivers a pink slip to you in jail? Since the ties have been cut, I can only assume the friendship has gone caput. Does this mean Esherick is finally free to spill the beans about the DC bribery case?

Embezzelment Paid off in 2007

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:54:00 +0000

One of the most surprising stories this year was of the DC Government tax scandal. How does one get away with $20 million dollars? How does one pull this off over the course of a few years? Ms. Harriette Walters, the former tax assessment manager could tell you. She has been indicted for fraud. Where were the checks and balances at DC Government? Can you believe the mayor was going to award the CFO a bonus this year for a job well done? Awarding a bonus, to the supervisor of an embezzler, who has robbed you blind.

This is an every day occurence brought on by greed. I'm not sure which version is worse. The victim who takes months or years to find out they've been duped and the money is gone or the theif who steals that much money and sticks around until they get caught. But it seems the year of 2007 was good for embezzelers.

According to Buzzle.com, Ex-NBC Treasurer charged with Embezzling $800,000 from TV Firm.

According to the Boston Globe, A Bookkeeper stole $4 million from her employer, Galasso Langione & Botter of New Jersey.

According to the Small Firm Business, A woman charged with stealing $6.9 million from her employer, J&J Materials of Rehoboth, Delaware.

According the the Maryland State Attorney General's office, Wendi Lynn Davis of Arnold, MD was indicted for stealing more than $52,000 from the State Insurance Trust Fund.

Disclaimer: Some of the aforementioned people have only been indicted and not found guilty.

PG County Schools Hire Inexperienced Teachers

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:36:00 +0000

Henry Wise Jr. High School located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland is a new school and fortunate to have a Recording Technology program. New equipment, enthusiastic students and a teacher who doesn't know the first thing about a Recording studio.

Students whom attended the Recording Technology program were pacified with what they deemed a "cool" teacher who let them talk about current events and learning the guitar. Sure, they were occupied and learning but certainly not the intended syllabus. Can you place blame on the teacher who's been hired to teach music? How will the school provide a grade for this course? The coursework was never taught; None of the concepts learned, so what work will be graded? Will all the registered students get an "A" in Recording Technology and is it fair?

To think, one day college recruiters will look at transcripts expecting students to have a foundation in Recording Technology. Nonetheless, principals saddle us with inexperienced teachers while we give accolades for filling vacancies.

Non-licensed Maryland Child Care Centers: Who is watching your child?

noreply@blogger.com (CityGurl Shops) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:50:00 +0000

It's always been a difficult task for parents to locate suitable child care. Juggling work demands and your child care needs can lead parents to make a hasty decision without properly checking the child care credentials. Many after care centers try and circumvent the licensing guidelines in Maryland by advertising themselves as a sports program. Sport programs are not regulated by the Maryland Child Care Administration. In laymen’s terms, The Maryland CCA licensing guidelines assert that any child that is picked up from school and brought to the after school center, without a parent present for a reasonable amount of time, should be licensed. Some issues that coincide with licensing are:

Non-licensed child care centers do not have to provide any background checks on staff. Does staff have any prior convictions? Do you know all the staff working at the center?
Non-licensed child care centers do not have to provide any security or emergency plans. Are front doors locked or open?
Non-licensed child care centers do not have to provide planning for any medical or administrative plans. Can the center provide medicine to the child? If sick, do they have any area for containment until parent arrives?
After research into licensing for several centers in Prince George County I learned that many centers were not licensed for an after school program. In addition, drivers from those same centers that were responsible for picking up children had multiple speeding tickets and points against their license.

Any parent can check with the Maryland Child Care Administration to make sure their child care center is licensed. If the center is not licensed, you should always think twice about a back-up plan for your child. Unlicensed child care centers can be closed by the Maryland CCA without prior notice.